Program Management is More Than Just Design

As proponents of clean oil
management and handling practices, we at Noria caution against the use of many
of the most common types of top-up containers. Maintenance and operations personnel
frequently use small-volume containers to expedite the top-up process. Rinsed
milk jugs or other types of plastic containers, or even open-topped coffee cans
with makeshift spouts bent into them are sometimes used to deliver oil to a
machine. Better, although not ideal, are purpose-built small-volume containers,
such as metal oilcans. Typically, these are not totally sealed in the spout
area, allowing dirt, moisture and other contaminants to intrude over time. Some
of these containers are manufactured from galvanized metal, which reacts with
certain lubricants or can even contribute metallic particulates to the lubricating
fluid.

While Noria also recommends
that these containers be stored in weatherproof storage facilities, my experience
has shown that this is
not necessarily a common practice. As a matter of convenience,
they are often left in close proximity to the equipment they service.

I remember finding one of
the very best top-up containers outdoors on a process unit with no overhead
cover and beside a turbine venting wet steam. Apparently, this container had
been there some time with its closeable spout left open. Whether it resulted
from a lack of training, inattention to detail or simple laziness the result
was the same: the oil was contaminated in spite of the most careful program
design effort in this area. Even the best intentions and the best equipment
sometimes are not enough to prevent contamination.

If careful attention is
not paid to the manner in which these containers are used, then why spend money
to improve the program? Technicians should be trained on the importance of proper
lubricant handling.